Gordon Neufeld

I had the wonderful and rare opportunity to hear one of my mentors, Gordon Neufeld, this evening, and once again I marvel at how well he articulates such critical components of what makes parenting work.

Here's one of my favorite Gordon quotes: "We need soft hearts to grow up." He talks a lot about the importance of feeling and emotion as, "the engine of maturation." Our job as parents really is to hold that place in our children's lives that feeds their innate need for connection and attachment, so we can help them feel the full range of their feelings instead of them hardening their hearts to protect from the risks that come from being open and vulnerable.

I love Dr. Neufeld's work, and his book (Hold On to Your Kids.) Highly recommend it!

Now, time to go check in with my own kid, which may just be sitting in the same room and doing my own thing while he finishes up homework. Staying connected...

More to come!

Susan